Newcastle United are working to add further new faces to their squad during the final week of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle United are reportedly keen to add former Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window - but are facing major competition from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
The 18-times capped France international brought an end to an underwhelming spell with Stamford Bridge last summer when he joined Serie A giants AC Milan in a deal believed to be worth around £32m. Nkunku went on to score eight goals and provide three assists in 35 appearances in all competitions as the Rossoneri ended the season in fifth place in Italian football’s top tier to qualify for this season’s Europa League and reached the last 16 of the Coppa Italia.
Christopher Nkunku scored eight goals in 35 games for AC Milan last seasonplaceholder image
Christopher Nkunku scored eight goals in 35 games for AC Milan last season | Getty Images
Despite spending only one season at the San Siro, there have been reports suggesting Newcastle retain an interest in the former Paris Saint-Germain forward as they look to boost Matthias Jaisle’s options in the final third and provide competition for the likes of Will Osula, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa during the final week of the summer transfer window. However, there have been reports stating RB Leipzig are keen to secure a reunion with their former forward after he scored 70 goals and provided 56 assists in 172 appearances to establish himself as one of the most exciting attacking players in European football during a four-year stay at the Red Bull Arena earlier in his career. Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenburg has now claimed the Bundesliga club have agreed a loan deal for the forward that will contain an option to convert that agreement into a permanent deal and stated the move will be finalised over the coming days.
Posting on X on Sunday morning, he said: “BREAKING: Christopher Nkunku to RB Leipzig - DONE DEAL ✔️ Verbal agreement in principle reached with AC Milan for the return of the 28 y/o versatile forward. Loan deal with an option to buy now agreed. Last details. Deal set to be finalized in the next 2-3 days.”
‘A great player’ - RB Leipzig head coach on Christopher Nkunku
placeholder image
Getty Images
Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis was asked about the interest in Nkunku on Saturday and although he refused to comment on the speculation, he did describe the forward as ‘a great player’ and confirmed he is in ‘daily contact’ with key figures at the club ahead of the final week of the transfer window.
As per MilanNews, the former Manchester City defender said of speculation over a move for the forward: “These are rumours, and I don’t comment on rumours. He’s a great player, but my job is to coach the players I have available, and I’m very happy with the squad I have. I’m in daily contact with sporting director Marcel Schafer. We still have a few days until the deal closes, so we’ll see what happens. Some players may come, others may go.” On whether Nkunku prefers his club to Newcastle, he said: “That’s a question for him, not me.”
Your next Newcastle United read:Newcastle United confirm official St James' Park capacity change ahead of opening game v Liverpool